Logo-adorned belts are one of the greatest designer investments you can make.
Cast your minds back to 2015, when Alessandro Michele debuted his first collection for Gucci at Milan Fashion Week. This was, unquestionably, one of the most memorable moments in the super-brand’s recent history. Not only do we recall the palpable buzz around Gucci’s ready-to-wear autumn collection – induced by the axing of Creative Director Frida Giannini just weeks before and Michele’s subsequent appointment – but the fact that it was the show that made the now-iconic Gucci GG belt famous.
Crafted in Italy from supple leather, the globally-recognised belt fastens with the brand’s signature GG brass buckle, and has been topping bestseller lists ever since its renaissance. The brand even re-imagined their original GG belt on the Autumn/Winter 2023 catwalk, styling it with an oversized Oxford shirt and baggy jeans.
From 2015 onwards, we saw a flurry of super-brands following with releases of their own iterations of the logo-adorned accessory, and today, each one of the world’s biggest fashion houses has fixed on their own iconic buckles to mark their sartorial territory. Some are obvious, like the Hermes H belt, Loewe’s Anagram belt or Valentino’s reversible V belt – while other designer belts are more stealth. Take The Row’s circle buckle on their Moon logo belt or Bottega Veneta’s tiny triangle, for example. It’s a case of IYKYK.
Investing in a logo belt is a more affordable entry point into wearing big-name designers than, say, investing in a designer handbag would be – but they’re also practical, season-less, timeless and figure-defining purchases. There are few accessories with a greater shelf life: a designer belt is a wearable wardrobe essential that’ll tie all of your basics together, worn best through the waist loops of your favourite vintage denim.
From logo designs by Loewe and Gucci, to season-less classics at Khaite and The Row, shop GLAMOUR’s edit of the best designer belts ahead.
Classic designer belts
The perfect finishing touch for your jeans and white t-shirt combination, these low-key designer belts – crafted in black leather, tan leather or suede – are a must in any discerning wardrobe. The prong on Saint Laurent’s Cassandre belt is delicately carved to form the brand’s YSL monogram, while the Italian croc-effect leather on Khaite’s Bambi belt will elevate every cinched-blazer moment for years to come.
Designer logo belts
Contrary to the quiet luxury trend of recent times, when done right, there’s a lot to be said for the subtle featuring of one of these logos. Loewe’s Anagram belt is proving particularly popular: artful and ornate, crafted in Spain and the perfect companion for everything from denim shorts to tonal skirts.
Chain & cocktail belts
Reminiscent of the nineties, these chain belts are best styled atop a blazer, dress or shirt. Rabanne’s crystal-embellished gold-tone belt is a fine example – strung with hammered charms like a crescent moon and crystal-adorned sunshine.
Designer waist belts
Those partial to power dressing – and using their designer belt to make a statement – should make a beeline for the brains behind the studded ballet flat, Alaïa. While their ballerinas were crowned as one of the hottest releases of the year by the Lyst Index, their studded waist belts deserve some attention, too. Alongside their laser-cut and panelled designs, of course.
Designed to fit to the contours of your waist, these waist-cinch belts can be used to elevate a simple black dress or cinch in an oversized white shirt.
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For more from GLAMOUR’s Senior European Commerce Editor, Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx. After more designer content? Shop the best affordable luxury bags, designer crossbody bags, best Bottega bags and best Loewe bags.